A FARMHOUSE breakfast is being held in Malton to help promote the work of two important farming organisations.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) is organising the event in conjunction with Ladies in Pigs, to raise the profile of their work in the area.

Sally Corner, regional officer for RABI, said the charity had provided financial support for members of the farming community for more than 150 years and a recent report highlighted that their work is as much needed now as it was in Victorian times.

“From helping a young family pay escalating travel costs for visiting their toddler in hospital, to providing a 104-year-old widow with extra income to improve the quality of her life, RABI helps many hundreds of people each year in whatever way best suits their needs,” she said.

“Each year RABI pays out around £2 million in grants and its greatest commitment is undoubtedly the long-term support it provides to around 1,500 retired farmers, farm workers and their dependants.”

Sally said the aim of the farmhouse breakfast was to raise the profile of RABI in the Malton area.

“We do not have many contacts in this particular part of North Yorkshire, so we would like people to be aware of our charity and the work we do,” she said.

“We gave more than £140,000 in North Yorkshire last year alone, but I am sure there are still people out there who need our help but don’t know what we do.

“Also in these days of public spending cuts, charities will play an even more important role, so any financial support is always very welcome.”

Sally said they had organised a farmhouse breakfast in Driffield last year which was very successful and so they had decided to hold a similar event in Malton.

“We really appreciate the support and help from Ladies in Pigs. They have been instrumental in both events and I am really lucky to work with Sue Woodall, the national chairperson.”

Ladies in Pigs was launched in 1991 and is a national organisation devoted to the support and promotion of the UK pig industry.

Sue Woodall said the group had branches across the country with many members closely involved in the pig industry, although anyone with a passion for pork was welcome to join.

She said: “A lot of time and energy is spent raising the profile of pork, and as well as carrying out cooking demonstrations at country shows, we offer sampling services with supermarkets and judge a pork product evaluation events.”

The farmhouse breakfast is being sponsored by Malton insurance company McClarrons.

Director Sean McClarron said they were delighted to be sponsoring the event for the farming community.

“Agriculture forms a strong part of the local community and our customer base and we are looking forward to working with Ladies in Pigs to support RABI, a very worthwhile cause.”

The farmhouse breakfast is being held at the Milton Rooms in Malton on Friday, May 6, from 9.30am.

Guest speaker at the event will be Howard Petch CBE and there will also be a raffle. Tickets are £12.50, including a locally-produced full English breakfast, and available from Sally Conner on 07818 093506 or Sue Woodall on 07811 065389.